An English greeting from Dr. Won Soyun

Dr Won introduces the clinic and welcomes patients in English. This short, approximately 31-second video offers an introduction to her voice and manner. Mention your language preference when arranging a consultation. [1]

What the greeting covers

The greeting presents the clinic’s name and an aspiration for considerate, comfortable care. It does not describe a particular aesthetic procedure or set out an individual treatment plan. [1]

Describing what matters to you

Separate your concerns: tooth colour, shape, what shows when you smile or discomfort when chewing. Identify your priority and the question you most want answered so you can ask for a focused explanation.

Connecting Brief Greetings with Aesthetic Consultation Questions

Dr Won Soyun’s English greeting introduces the clinic and its dental team before a visit. If you are preparing for an aesthetic consultation due to concerns, you can use the greeting video along with a list of the specific changes you desire. Consider what aspects are most concerning to you, such as color, shape, the length of specific teeth, or the range of expression when smiling. If multiple aspects come to mind, you can also choose one item to discuss first during this visit. However, it's important to note that the desired outcome doesn't necessarily mean immediate treatment. The current condition and the scope of the desired changes should be explained after the examination. The following English phrases are not excerpts from the video, but rather examples that the editorial team has compiled to help readers prepare their questions.

Specifying the Desired Range of Change

First, determine whether you want to make significant changes to your entire smile or just focus on specific areas. For example, "I would like to discuss a subtle change" can be used to indicate that you want to discuss making small adjustments. You can then point to a specific tooth or area in a photo to illustrate your request. For instance, you could say, "I want to maintain the overall impression of my smile." Choose the sentence that best reflects your actual desires. When using the term "natural," it's also helpful to specify which characteristics you're looking for. Since the desired outcome and the possible changes need to be confirmed, summarize the information you've been given in your own words. Example phrases: “I want to keep the overall impression of my smile.”

Communicating Concerns About Color and Shape

If you're concerned about the color, explain which aspect is causing you concern and in what situation. If you're concerned about the shape, explain what you want to examine regarding the length or form. For example, "I am concerned about the color of this tooth" and "I would like to discuss the shape of this tooth" are examples of starting different questions. If it's difficult to explain everything at once, you can break it down into separate points and prioritize the most important information. When using photos, also consider that the lighting and angle can make the color appear different in different sources. It's important to note that describing the specific features of a reference photo is different from wanting to use the entire photo as is. After clearly stating your preferences, check with the dental professionals to see what aspects of your current tooth and gum condition can be discussed. Example phrases: “I am concerned about the colour of this tooth.”

When Providing Reference Photos

If you have reference photos, you can explain that you are focusing on a specific feature, rather than the entire smile, for example, "I like this particular feature." Clearly indicate which part you are referring to, or write down the desired feature in a single sentence. You can also mention when and in what situation the photo was taken, and what you were particularly concerned about. When dealing with multiple photos, it's better to organize what you are comparing from different sources rather than assuming that the intended meaning is conveyed. Please clearly differentiate between the information you can assess from the photos and the information that needs to be verified during the examination. The purpose of providing reference materials is not to determine the "correct" answer, but to help you see the specific aspects you want to discuss together. Example phrases: “I like this particular feature, not necessarily the whole smile.”

Describing the Feeling Beyond Appearance

In aesthetic consultations, it's also possible to discuss the feelings experienced while eating or speaking. For example, you could say, "I also notice discomfort when I chew." This allows you to communicate that, in addition to concerns about the appearance, there are specific issues with how your teeth feel during everyday use. When you first noticed this discomfort, and in what situations, and if you experienced any changes after previous treatments, please share those experiences as well. If you are unsure of the cause, simply describe what you have observed, and ask the dentist to explain how it relates to the examination findings. By keeping notes on both your preferences for the appearance and your actual experience of using your teeth, it's easier to review what aspects might have been overlooked during the consultation. When using English, it's important to first confirm the meaning of the sentence to ensure that you are conveying the correct information.

Focus on the Process and Limitations, Not Just the Name of the Procedure

Even if you know the name of a specific treatment, first, ask your dentist to explain what options are available given your current condition. You can ask questions like, "What changes are realistic in my current situation?" to understand the possible range of options. You can also ask, "What would the procedure involve?" to understand the steps involved. As you go through the explanation, take notes on any questions you have about the changes to your teeth, the subsequent care, the estimated timeline, and the cost. It's better to confirm the specific aspects that are still uncertain rather than making a decision based solely on what you want. If there are other options available, compare them based on the differences in the aspects you're concerned about. These questions are not meant to recommend a specific procedure; rather, they are examples of how to clarify the information you need to discuss with your dentist.

After Hearing the Explanation, Confirm Understanding

When you hear an explanation in English, briefly summarize the key points to ensure you understand. You can start with phrases like, "Let me check that I understand the plan." This allows you to restate the current situation, the proposed process, and any remaining questions in your own words. If you are unfamiliar with the terminology, ask for a simpler explanation or clarification on which part of the diagram is being discussed. It's generally better to clearly ask specific questions related to the decision, rather than trying to memorize all the unfamiliar phrases. You can also note your own preferences and the range of options discussed by the medical team separately. If you still have unanswered questions after the consultation, use them as a basis for further discussion. It's also helpful to keep records of the consultation so you can refer back to them later and identify any remaining questions. Example phrases: “Let me check that I understood the plan.”

Ask About Everyday Care After the Change

During consultations, you can also ask questions like "How should I care for it afterwards?" This helps clarify the specific care instructions, such as which tools to use and which areas to clean, as well as the daily guidance needed and the appropriate time to check the condition. The actual implementation and scope of care should be based on the guidance provided by the dental team. If you are traveling, you can also ask about necessary contacts and follow-up checks after your departure. Understanding not only the moment of change but also the subsequent lifestyle is crucial for determining whether the plan is suitable for your needs. Starting with the English greeting from Won Soyun, systematically organize the details and explanations that are most important to you.